#anywhere

"Miss Marzanna, you are invaluable and honor us!"

"I, ah, didn't mean to suggest otherwise, please, Miss Marzanna."

"Forgive if our concern outstrips our manners. I... I fear there is aught out-of-sorta at the Hollow, and have seen omens which unsettle me. My family is there, it is still my home though I take to wandering..."

"Your family I have watched" She says "As i promised. Your uncles did have a bit of a spat. Apparently therre is some argument over whether mood upholstery should indeed come second to multi dimensional anvils... Your uncle Ratchet having made the other. Your mother triumphs, she won the Bingo-thon a week ago! The grand prize 50 dollars and a two hundred dollar coupon at Yarn Barn"

Her blush has dimmed somewhat as apologies were made. But it is clear a lack of answers on her part caught her off guard

The Baron smiles warmly at this news; is that odd?

"Oh dear... mine brother shall need to find new places to hide from the fiber..."

"Oh, I meant Mrs. Hannah. I suspect Miss Miriam Covets"

Zara beams. "Mama has won? She did not tell me! I.. forgive.. would expect less news from Miriam..."

"Ah" realization and Marzanna says "i wonder if she, with help, is using her winnings as a gift for you?"

"Oh... " Pink.

August sips his tea, and smiles again at this idea.

"But forgive, I grow almost gregarious," She says "Suffice to say beyond what I mention, your family thrives"

"That is good to hear." the Sidhe say softly.

"Please give them my best, if you see them?"

Zara sips her tea.

A nod "should I see them and they see me, of course"

"Of course." sip "As to what is amiss at the Hollows.... I am not sure I can, or should, be overly involved. It is another demense, after all; I must respect that. But if there was information or evidence that something injurious was being planned..... it would be my responsibility to take action."

"Perhaps Seneca and Mirwin might know more?"

"Mayhaps" She says "And should I learn something, i will, of course, pass it onto Miss Zara who may pass it on to you"

"Aye. Protect thyself, first."

"May I offer my contact information, should you wish to reach me directly?" he offers politely "Zara is, of course, a boon companion and I hide nothing from her. Indeed, I could not possibly do so." not without humor.

"Ah..." A blush again at this boldness "Baron, you understand should I bring infnormation to you, I needs must ask for recompense? Perhaps it would be bettter to go through Miss Zara ? Else I grow mercenary"

"I would be happy to offer fair recompense to you, Miss Marzanna."

She looks relieved. Perhaps she thought the Sidhe lord might presume a right to her knowledge

"Then Baron I will take your contact information"

August jots it down and passes it over. "Thank you, Miss."

She takes it, and says "Welcome, Good sir"

"Zara, do you think I should speak with Seneca and Mirwin?"

Zara nods. "That might be helpful. Take Octa with you."

"If you wish. Ah. Where is she?"

A slight motion from his sleeve

as an arachnid clambers on board

"This way, I may perceive what you may miss..."

"Hello, young lady." he rises and offers Zara his arm for the trip. "Miss Marzanna, a pleasure to make your acquaintance."

Marzanna gives a bow, hand to heart

"We shall be watching!" She escorts August to the door.

((Iread that as Zara coming WITH August to speak with the dumb duo but I get it now. Octa is thier 'eyes'.))

And off he goes to the dungeon.

"My" Marzanna sips her tea once he is gone "He trusts you greatly"

"We have been friends for many years. He is, of course, bumbling a'times.. but sidhe cannot help their limits. I would trust him with my life. My secrets? Well, not ALL of those... but many"

"This is high praise" She concedes, "It is rare to have one who trusts us so completely, a sign of great mutual success" She seems impressed then hmmms "Alas, he is also deucedly handsome. It can throw one off their best bargaining at times"

"I understand. He shall pay you fairly. Now, let us see how this goes..." She gathers her scrying mirror to share with Marzanna.

More assured thanks to a kith sister , she too turns to watch

"Look at the uter lack of grace in those two" Mmmph

"Truly, the ears alone do not grant it."

"mmm not particularly productive" She ponders "But I can confirm that most of the sidhe were out for Carnivale to other holds"

A soft tap at the door.

"Aye?"

Marzanna has been enjoying her tea. Ah, but now comes the 'social niceties' again. How Does Zara manage?